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Well, my 240 just passed it's annual emissions test, so she is good to go for another 12 months on the roads here in Texas. Once she turns 25 years old, I no longer have to submit to the tail pipe test AND safety test, which is $39.75, only a safety test, which is only about $13.
In the meantime, I have made a list of repairs and have been crossing them off one by one. I just did a bunch of engine maintenance, to make sure that I would pass my emissions test, tune up: cap, rotor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, throttle plate, IAC, vacuum lines, air filter, and wiper blades.
However, one repair that I did do, which was not enjoyable, but that I am glad that I did, was to replace the rubber window scrapers.
I waited until IPD had a sale and bought a set. It averaged about 30 minutes a window, and although not enjoyable in the least, now that all four window scrapers have been replaced, the car looks much, much better!
I wanted to let you know that for me, it was easier to just take a sharp box cutter and trim off the old rubber, which by this time was very brittle and had already started to crack and break off. Then, I used a small screwdriver to pry open the ends on the metal rack that held the rubber in place, and then I used a small pair of needle nose pliars to pull out the remaining rubber piece. Be sure to wear heavy leather gloves incase the knife or screwdriver slips!
I sprayed the inside of the metal strip with some WD-40 and I also sprayed the bottom rubber side of the scraper. Do not spray the "Felt" side of the scraper.
The rubber easily slid into place, and then I used my needle nose Vice Grips to pinch the metal ends. I did one side at a time, so that I could go the other side for reference and then used my sharp box cutter knife to trim the excess rubber. I also scrubbed my car with warm soapy water to remove the dust that had accumulated under the trim. Then, I used a dead blow mallet to gently persuade the trim back into place.
The kit from IPD included a "Bone Tool" to assist with removing the trim. The kit was on sale and ran about $57 + $7.50 shipping, so a total of about $65. The tool was of little use to me, however, it was nice that it was included. Redwood Chair sells the rubber scraper by the inch, on TurboBricks and it runs about $35 +/- from him with shipping, and people seem happy with their purchases from him.
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If it needs to be maintained, repaired or replaced on a 1990 240, I've probably done it. '90 240DL, 294K looking forward to 300K badge (or sticker??). >>You haven't really worked on a car until you draw blood<< :-}
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